Cedarville Magazine, Winter 2016

Spotlight Helps Faculty Shine for Future Students Current freshmen did their homework when determining whether to attend Cedarville University. A 2015 survey of all admitted students revealed that two of the top five reasons they chose Cedarville were related to the quality and reputation of our faculty. But it wasn’t just the high caliber of the professors’ instruction; it was also how they keep a Christian focus in their teaching. The results affirmed the importance of keeping Cedarville faculty in the public eye, especially when it comes to recruiting future students. “I think it sends a huge message in terms of the competency of the University, that not only will your child get a Christian education here, but they’ll be well educated in general,” said Glen Duerr, Assistant Professor of International Studies. “We prepare students well for the workforce and graduate school and give them a background and foundation in Christian education with the Bible minor. “We’re raising the profile of Cedarville and ultimately the cause of Christ,” he added. “When people see our professors out there, they will realize this is a great place to send their son or daughter. We are one of the top choices.” “It’s an opportunity one has to take advantage of,” noted Patrick Oliver, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of Cedarville’s Criminal Justice Program. “We have subject matter experts who speak competently, eloquently, and professionally on current issues and from a biblical worldview. Potential students will realize they can get a quality, Christ-centered education here.” Media exposure helps the public and future students see “we’re current, we know what’s happening, and we’re knowledgeable,” commented Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Ginger Cameron. “It lends credibility to the University.” “I’m an epidemiologist, so that’s my area of specialty — infectious diseases, spread, outbreak, and containment,” Cameron added. “I’m uniquely positioned, as one of the few epidemiologists in the area, to use my knowledge to benefit the University in more than the classroom.” “Our faculty bring a perspective that is fresh and informative,” noted Mark Weinstein, Executive Director of Public Relations. “This influence is helping with overall name recognition that affects student enrollment.” “It’s impactful to students and prospective students that faculty members are respected enough they’re sought as subject matter experts by the popular press,” Oliver said. “Then students realize, ‘I’m studying at the right place; I’m learning from the right people.’” As a result, Cedarville’s reputation grows. “We continue to move forward and show we are a leader in baccalaureate education, especially in Christian higher education,” Duerr offered. interview, but when I have the longer interviews I can often bring in Scripture. But it will also point people to Cedarville University, where we stand, and what we stand for — the Gospel.” “We practice biblical integration here at Cedarville,” Oliver added. “Not to add on, sprinkle in, or season with the subject matter, but it’s woven into the discipline. You’re integrating biblical virtues into the interviews without referencing the Bible. It’s important that people who are committed followers of Jesus Christ speak on these issues from a biblical worldview.” “I hope this is telling people we are current and relevant; we’re interested in what’s happening in the world,” Cameron added. “We’re offering people truth, knowledge, and comfort in the midst of what’s happening and a unique perspective that maybe a secular person wouldn’t have. I hope parents of future students are seeing that.” LASTING IMPRESSION “The impression I would get as an audiencemember is that Cedarville faculty are well-spoken, well-informed, and eager to dig into the issues with the community,” Ussin said. “They have charisma and obvious passion for what they’re speaking about, and they don’t pontificate.” As people listen to Elfstrand’s show, they’re evaluating guests. “They’ll think, ‘That guy makes a lot of sense; that person is obviously well educated; his mind is well-developed,’” he added. “Whenever I finish a segment, I always make a point of saying, ‘And, by the way, that’s the kind of education you can find at an outstanding school like Cedarville.’” And there’s one other upside, according to Ussin: Cedarville professors broaden perspectives. “Many times I’ve walked away from an interview [with a Cedarville faculty member] and thought, ‘Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that!’” she shared. “I hope folks at home experience that, too.” Serving the public by bringing a biblical worldview to the issues of our day is a worthy quest for Cedarville’s champions of truth. ClemBoyd is Managing Editor of Cedarville Magazine . Opening doors for faculty to engage with the media is spearheaded by Cedarville University Public Relations . Comprised of (L-R, front) Mark Weinstein, Executive Director; Ryan Bower ’08, Assistant Director; and student writers (L-R) Brandon Best ’18, Rae McKee ’18, David Long ’18, and Victoria Stearns ’18 (not pictured: Kathryn Sill ’16), the team is dedicated to telling the Cedarville story in ways that advance the Gospel, support Cedarville’s mission, and build awareness for what God is accomplishing in and through the University community. 14 | Cedarville Magazine